Panda Security expands antivirus protection for government clouds

The government is increasingly moving applications to the cloud as part of the administration's cloud-first initiative. But while the cloud provides a level of security not found in typical server-client systems, especially in terms of physical security, the cloud remains vulnerable to hacking and other exploitations.

The cloud is susceptible to viruses and malware specifically designed to exploit the cloud, which could poison a lot more users than most stand-alone viruses do today.

To combat this threat, Panda Security has created Panda Cloud Systems Management (PCSM) that manages, monitors and supports all types of IT devices within an organization. PCSM was recently updated to Version 2.2, and it is already being used by many organizations to keep their clouds protected and virus free.

PCSM gives IT departments and service providers control over all software installed on their computers, ensuring compliance with an organization’s policies, said Manuel Santamaría, global product manager for Panda Security.

Version 2.2 of PCSM includes an improved ticketing system that lets users raise tickets and lets system administrators classify and prioritize incident responses. In addition to general security, the new PCSM allows power-saving plans to be implemented across the cloud, turning off devices that aren't being used and activating ones that need to be patched or otherwise scanned.

The new version of PSCM also offers more granular control over programs, files and folders by monitoring dangerous or unwanted processes and automatically assigning actions. If a program is behaving in a way that indicates the presence of malware, the PSCM can automatically shut it down, notify a system administrator or invoke any action needed to prevent further damage to the cloud, the company said.

Panda Cloud System Management has the ability to create lists of all installations across an organization. This means it is possible to draw up blacklists with things that mustn’t be installed, whitelists with programs that can be installed and “goldlists” of software that must be installed.

Other new features include Data Shield, which prevents malware from accessing users’ personal data, and Rescue Boot, which after an emergency can boot the system from a USB device or from a rescue option on the computer and remove any virus that blocks the system.

For the first time, Panda Cloud Antivirus 2.2 has a Community Labs area that houses free tools for the user community and gives advanced users a chance to try out new features and help with their development.